17 Science-Inspired Desserts for the Nerds at Heart

It’s refreshing to see that so many bakers are stepping away from the buttercream roses and fondant decorations, however cool they may be, in favor of more unique desserts. From geode wedding cakes to watercolor frosting design, we’ve come pretty far, but a new trend is taking us even further. From the outer reaches of the galaxy to the center of the Earth’s core, science-inspired desserts are our new obsession. Whether you’re passionate about dinosaurs or the Andromeda galaxy, these 17 treats offer something for everyone.

1. Chocolate Chips Ahoy Dinosaur Cake: This towering chocolate cake is almost as majestic as the dinosaurs that decorate it. Crumbled chocolate chip cookies give it a prehistoric look that tastes like pure heaven. (via Butterlust)

6. Galaxy Jell-O: The best part of this Jell-O isn’t that it looks like outer space. It’s that it’s made in little jars, so you can grab and go whenever you’re having a galactic snack attack. (via Bakingdom)

7. Zodiac Constellation Cake: If you love reading your horoscope, this cake is for you. It’s decorated with the signs of the zodiac, and filled with a brightly colored space cake. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

8. Galaxy Macarons: Macarons can be fussy to make, but these are totally worth it. Not only are they as colorful as the stars themselves, but they’re also vegan, thanks to the use of aquafaba. (via Avocados and Ales)

9. Space Donuts: These donuts are vegan and baked instead of fried, so you get all the same sweet goodness you love without having to wipe oily hands on your jeans when you’re done. (via Blueberry Vegan)

12. Black Velvet Nebula Cake: When the phrase “too pretty to eat” was first uttered, it must have been about this cake. Decorated with dreamy, colorful galaxy formations, this cake should be in a museum, not on a dessert plate. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

13. Agate Cookies: For a dessert that’s extra fancy, try these agate cookies. Each one looks like a geode slice full of precious gems. (via Alana Jonesman)

14. Galaxy Bark: This recipe just goes to show that candy bark shouldn’t be relegated to the holiday season. It’s a sweet treat covered in edible glitter stars and pearl dust, perfect for sharing with your friends and family. (via MomDot)

Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.